Each team will receive an equal share to ensure even footing and a fair competition. All revenue earned in each team’s corresponding location will be kept by that team, capped to a certain figure. Once that figure is exceeded, a luxury tax is paid to the league, added to the shared revenue pool.

“Overwatch is a game about a diverse group of international heroes who fight for an optimistic vision of the future, and the Overwatch League is an extension of that spirit,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re building this league for fans – esports fans, traditional sports fans, gaming fans – and we’re thrilled to have individuals and organizations who are as passionate about professional competition as we are, and who have extensive experience in all three fields, representing our first major international cities in the league.”

The news follows murmurs of Activision-Blizzard’s interest in starting a Call of Duty League in similar style to the Overwatch League.

Call of Duty has long been an eSports staple, but Activision may be looking to control a more territorially-focused league with franchised teams, similar to what the company is hoping to achieve with Overwatch League.

Gaetano Prestia Editor in Chief

Gaetano loves Doritos and always orders Mountain Dew with his KFC. He's not sorry. He also likes Call Of Duty, but would much rather play Civ. He hates losing at FIFA, and his pet hate is people who recline their seat on short-haul flights.